PLANS to close a Dudley rehabilitation centre for drug addicts and open a massive new one in another corner of the borough could help cut drug problems.

Campaigning councillor Adrian Turner said he hopes the expansion of The Warehouse Dudley Drug Project to a giant derelict office block in Lye will help slash the number of addicts.

The current two centres in Brierley Hill and Dudley will move to the new site, Atlantic House off Dudley Road, early next year.

Cllr Turner said: "I think for the whole area it is going to be positive because to have more drug treatments available and to have the extra drug workers near to the area will help solve one or two problems that may exist locally."

He added: "I do have concerns for residents nearby and I will be looking for assurance from the police and the PCSOs that they will be available to quell any problems that may be caused as a result of the centre."

The charity has taken out an 18-year lease at the site and funding for the project will come from both local and central government.

The new centre will offer counselling, advice and information, substitute prescribing, GP liaison/shared care, detached and outreach work, needle exchange, arrest referral, prison liaison, drug treatment and testing orders.

David Homer from the project said he hopes the bigger building - which boasts 19 counselling rooms and three clinical rooms - will help benefit borough residents.

He said: "Some time ago treatment services identified a need for larger premises to be in a position to meet all targets set for the borough.

"Services provided were restricted due to building capacity."

He added: "These are exciting times for the organisation formed some 14 years ago and will make a significant impact to our clients."